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December 5th, 2008
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March 26th, 2008 issue

Visa mess

Now that the Czech Republic has joined the Schengen zone, I can’t believe what a confusing mess this is turning out to be (“Schengen brings new travel woes,” News, March 19–25). According to officials at the U.S. embassy and the Interior Ministry, I apparently now need a special travel visa to visit any of the other Schengen countries.
So it makes no sense that I can travel to Germany and Austria, etc., without having my passport checked. I traveled to Austria last month; my passport wasn’t checked by any officials, but apparently I was breaking the law. Where’s the logic in any of this?
Brian Reklaitis
Prague
About the three-month visa extension offered to Americans by the Interior Ministry — I feel this is a highly racist decision, but diplomatically very reasonable (“Ministry to ease transition of visas,” News, March 5–11).
Everyone falls for Americans because of the country’s money or power or whatever.
But what about others? I am an Indian, and I don’t have anything against Americans, but I have spent more then a month looking for English-speaking or English writing jobs in the Czech Republic.
This news makes me highly disappointed as it is already utterly difficult for an India national to find a way to get an employment visa to reside in the Czech Republic.
Anurag Sahu
New Delhi, India
I was quite amused by the wailing and moaning of the American diaspora in “Czecholand” after the new Schengen regulations were introduced. They react like spoiled brats who can‘t take a bit of inconvenience, while their government often makes a point of exposing travelers to the United States to humiliation, uncertainties and expenses.
It just shows arrogance. It is high time these guys get shown that they are not entitled to any privileges.
 
Dr. Jan Svoboda
Johannesburg, South Africa
Warning system
A strong defense is necessary for any nation to maintain its sovereignty (“Radar protest aimed at embassy,” News, March 19–25). In 1939, the security of Czechoslovakia depended on solidarity of Europe. We all know how that ended up. Czechoslovakia was sacrificed because of the attitude of appeasement. It took the United States to defeat Hitler’s aggression.
We have not seen any change in the European nations’ desire to protect their own. The Czech Republic needs to pick its allies carefully. Remember, the United States is the only country that has fought for and liberated people all over the world without demanding tribute.
There are forces in the world that are threatening Europe with destruction. It is wise to have the means to defend oneself. An early warning system is needed.
Vladimir Va Cymbal
Tarzana, California, U.S.A.


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